Moving to Naval Submarine Base New London
Known as the Home of the Submarine Force, this Groton base has 11 submarine piers, more than 70 tenant commands and the Navy's submarine schools. It employs over 9,500 military and civilian personnel and sits on the Thames River across from New London, with a coastal Connecticut setting that is close to both Boston and New York.
| Branch | Navy |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Groton, CT |
| Population served | More than 9,500 active duty, reserve and civilian personnel (Military OneSource) |
| Airports | T.F. Green (PVD) and Bradley (BDL) are each roughly an hour; Groton-New London Airport is local general aviation |
| Climate | Coastal New England climate with humid summers, cold winters and nor'easters |
| Cost of living | Above the US average, though lower than the Boston and New York metros |
| On-base housing | Beacon Point Homes (formerly Balfour Beatty Communities), eight neighborhoods mostly just outside the gates |
| Family support center | Military and Family Support Center / Navy Family Housing Welcome Center (Building 83) |
Where families live
Groton
Closest to the gates with mixed older housing and apartments; many Navy families live here.
Mystic
Charming seaside village with higher rents and a tourist economy.
Ledyard
Quieter, more rural single-family homes with a school reputation popular with families.
Waterford
Suburban with beaches and shopping, commute crosses the river bridges.
New London
Urban small city across the river with older multi-family rentals and downtown dining.
Privatized Navy housing neighborhoods
Duplexes, quadruplexes and some single-family homes with community centers, pools and playgrounds.
Schools
Families in the privatized neighborhoods generally attend Groton schools. Other nearby Connecticut towns run their own districts, so the School Liaison Office is a good first call when comparing areas.
- Groton Public Schools — Serves the privatized housing neighborhoods and surrounding Groton.
SUBASE New London School Liaison Office via the Military and Family Support Center
Things to do near Naval Submarine Base New London
- Historic Ship Nautilus and Submarine Force MuseummuseumTour the world's first nuclear-powered submarine next to the base.
- Mystic Seaport MuseummuseumLiving-history maritime museum with historic ships.
- Mystic AquariumfamilyPopular for kids with marine animal exhibits.
- Ocean Beach ParkoutdoorsMunicipal beach and boardwalk in New London.
- Fort Griswold Battlefield State ParkoutdoorsRevolutionary War site with a tall monument and harbor views.
- Foxwoods and Mohegan SunnightlifeCasino resorts with shows and dining a short drive away.
- Block Island ferry tripsday-tripFerries from Point Judith reach Block Island, within driving range.
- Newport, RIday-tripMansions and sailing roughly an hour east.
Realtors & local services
Want a realtor who knows Naval Submarine Base New London?
Tell us your report date, budget and whether you're buying or renting. We'll connect you with an agent who works with military families here.
Get matchedListings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Naval Submarine Base New London? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- Navy Family Housing Welcome CenterBase advocacy office for privatized housing located in Building 83 at 83 Grayling Avenue.
PCS tips for Naval Submarine Base New London
- Waitlists for privatized housing vary by bedroom count and rank; the housing page cited waits of roughly one to seven months for many New London units in summer, so apply early.
- Beacon Point Homes assigns one child per bedroom and restricts certain dog breeds, so verify pet policies before you arrive.
- Families enrolled in EFMP at Category 4 or 5 receive priority for housing.
- Winter storms and ice can affect the bridges and Route 12; keep winter tires and an emergency kit in the car.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Northeast
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.